Recent market research reveals the GCC paper industry has a market value of about US$700 million per year. At a breakdown, UAE accounts for over US$400 million of this, with Saudi Arabia accounting for another US$220 million, while Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman account for approximately US$65 million between them. Having identified this untapped market Epoc Messe Frankfurt has recently announced the launch of a new exhibition to its portfolio – Paperworld Middle East.

The latest addition to Dubai’s calendar of exhibitions, Paperworld Middle East has already confirmed several key industry players as launch partners for its inaugural event which will take place from 7 to 9, March 2011, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. German stationery brand Pelikan, German manufacturers of writing instruments LAMY and Schneider, along with leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting and measuring products Acme United Europe, greeting card manufacturer Hallmark, and school bags and stationery manufacturer Paxos, have partnered with Paperworld Middle East for the launch of its first edition in the region.

Furthermore, local manufacturer Farook International Stationery (FIS), established in Dubai back in 1980, will also present their products at the show. Having 3 manufacturing plants in the UAE, they export their wide range of stationery products to over 80 countries worldwide and are among the pioneers in the Middle East stationery industry. Other local manufacturers include Dubai Library Distributors and Capital Envelopes.

Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer at Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Paperworld Middle East commented: “Having the right partners is a crucial element for launching an exhibition and we are greatful of the support from these key industry players for our inaugural event in March. Having done much research into the paper industry we identified a niche in the market and decided to bring this branded exhibition to the Middle East region.” He added: “Having the likes of international names such as Pelikan, LAMY, Schneider, Acme United Europe, Hallmark, Paxos and local company Farook supporting us as launch partners shows that they too have confidence that there is space in the market for this event. We value this vote of confidence and the team is now working hard to execute a highly focused and successful first time event in March.” The internationally recognised launch partners are key names in their specialised fields and are set to attract many other brands and manufacturers to exhibit at the event, as well as be a key pull for trade visitors.

Ms Monica Kubik, Senior Show Manager, Paperworld Middle East said: “We were very specific with the brands that came on board as launch partners. These are well established and highly reputed brands and are market leaders in their field. They are companies that focus on high quality and this is in line with our own aim to deliver a focused and high quality event. We are very excited about the show’s launch in March which, with the help of our partners, is set to be a great success.” Paperworld Middle East will be co-located with Festivalworld Middle East and Playworld Middle East. The three exhibitions are new to Dubai’s exhibition portfolio. Exhibitors and visitors can benefit from the synergies between the three trade fairs which share similar visitor profiles due to the products which will be featured.